PATERNAL Meaning and
Definition
-
Paternal is an adjective that refers to something related to or characteristic of a father or fatherhood. It describes qualities, behaviors, or rights associated with a father figure.
In the context of family, paternal denotes the role or relationship of a father towards his children. It implies a sense of care, protection, and guidance typically exhibited by a father in fulfilling his parental responsibilities. Paternal instincts include providing emotional support, making important decisions, and acting as a positive influence in the lives of one's children. A paternal figure is often seen as loving, authoritative, and involved in the upbringing of their offspring.
Additionally, paternal can describe physical and genetic traits inherited from the father's side. This term is commonly used in the medical field when examining hereditary diseases or traits passed down on the paternal side of the family.
In a broader sense, paternal can extend beyond one's immediate family to mean exhibiting qualities traditionally associated with a father figure. This can manifest in leadership roles, mentorship, or acts of benevolence towards others, similar to the way a father would care for and guide his children.
Overall, paternal refers to the aspects of fatherhood, including the relationship between a father and child, inherited traits or characteristics, and more figurative representations of paternal behavior.
-
Pert. to or derived from a father; fatherly; hereditary.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PATERNAL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PATERNAL
Etymology of PATERNAL
The word "paternal" has its origins in the Latin word "paternus", which derives from the noun "pater" meaning "father". This Latin root is also the source of other related words like "paternity", "patriarch", and "patrimony". The term "paternal" entered the English language in the late 15th century, ultimately referring to something related to or characteristic of a father or fatherhood.
Similar spelling words for PATERNAL
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
